Governor Chukwuma Soludo has insisted that all markets and shops across Anambra State must remain open every working day, including Mondays, in a bid to restore and sustain the state’s economy.
The governor made the declaration during an interactive session with market leaders, following the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice that has hindered commercial activities in parts of the South-East for years.
Addressing traders at the Onitsha Main Market, Soludo urged them to take an active role in rebuilding the state’s economy. He floated options for either pulling down existing market structures to develop a new, world-class trading hub or embarking on a comprehensive market modernization programme, stressing that the era of Monday closures must end.
“I decided to oblige this meeting as an interactive session so that I can once again listen to you,” Soludo said. “For four years, we have engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded, and even held prayer sessions with churches in April 2022 to end this. It is now time for more action.”
The governor described the enforcement of the sit-at-home order as having evolved from a political protest into a criminal enterprise, claiming it no longer serves the interests of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“It is not linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If it does not happen in Umuahia, his hometown, why should it happen in Onitsha and Nnewi?” Soludo said, adding that many enforcing the order are non-indigenes of Anambra State. He warned that the government would deploy “extreme measures” if the defiance continues.
To protect traders, Soludo pledged that the security architecture around markets would be strengthened to prevent intimidation and harassment. “Igbo land and Anambra will move forward,” he declared.
Market leaders responded positively, expressing willingness to comply with the directive while highlighting logistical and security needs. Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, assured that traders would resume full Monday operations in line with the governor’s vision of a “One Anambra.”
Traders also called for a visible and proactive security presence, full operation of motor parks to facilitate access for buyers from outside the state, and decisive action against individuals who benefit from or enforce the sit-at-home order.
